Window construction



" Oct. 8'-, 19632;" R. N. LEwls wmuow CONSTRUCTION Filed March 6, 1967 W2J/II" "3N, RmHARb N. LEwiSmvmOR mmymdw ATTORNEYS oct. s, 196s R. N. Lawls 3,404,499

WINDOW CONSTRUCT ION Filed March 6, 1967 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEYS OCL 8, 1968 R. N. LEWIS WINDOW CONSTRUCTION 5 sheetssheet Filed March 6, 1967 INVENTOR. \6Z Tacx-1mb N. Laws Mm/@QMQLW ATTORNEYS United States Patent O 3,404,499 WINDOW CONSTRUCTION Richard N. Lewis, West End, N.C., assignor to West End Table Company, Inc., Hoffman, N.C., a corporation of North Carolina Filed Mar. 6, 1967, ser. No. 620,753 8 Claims. (Cl. 52-213) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE Solid pane window unit for selective use singly and in multiples, and convertible into a simulated divided pane configuration. For `a multiple unit, portions are sawed from proximal ends of the sills and top brick moldings of a plurality of single units and the proximal side brick molding removed from one. The sawed ends are abutted, and the units joined by securing the remaining side brick molding to the proximal side of the other unit. For simulating divided panes, retractable means in a pane divider engage in a groove in the sash frame and hold the divider against the pane.

This invention relates to a window construction. More particularly, it relates to a window unit adapted for selective use alone as a single window unit and, together with other similar single window units, as a multiple Window unit, and to a method for combining a plurality of such single window units into -a multiple window unit.

It has long been the practice to fabricate window units as separa-te entities from the building in which they are to be installed. Such separate construction per-mits full utilization of mass production techniques, accurate mensuration capabilities, and the like advantages available under factory construe-tion conditions.

In usual building practice, prefabricated window units are procured from a factory in which the same have been configured according to the design requirements of the building. With the increasing trend in architectural design towards varied configurations of windows, i.e., some single, some multiple window units, some solid pane, some divided pane, stocking and ordering problems of increasing Amagnitude have been posed to both the factory and the builder, since a large variety of sizes and configurations of windows must `be stock-piled against the variety of needs.

In recognition of these problems, there have been numerous previous proposals for modular types of window unit constructions, all of which proposals basically envision factory fabrication of a limited variety of single window units which may be delivered to the construction site for subsequent on-site assembly into multiple window units.

In constructions according to such proposals, it has been necessary to spend considerable on-site time and effort in the assembly of single window units into multiple window units of the desired number of single window segments. Moreover, such constructions made it necessary for the builders to have special pieces, such as single unitary top brick molding pieces for the assembled multiple window unit and special mullion pieces designed to replace the existing side brick moldings on the single window units to form mullions therebetween in the assembled multiple window unit, at the building site.

Because of the need for stocking and handling the special pieces not included with the original single window units, the stocking problems were not materially reduced by these proposals, and the problems and expense of onsite assembly of multiple Window units therefore were not offset by any significant savings.

ICC

It is an object of this invention to provide a single window unit designed for selective use alone and with other similar single window units as a multiple window unit, and to provide a method for so assembling a plurality of single window units into a multiple Window unit, which construction and method avoids the problems and drawbacks of the prior art, and wherein no additional materials are required for such assembly.

In addition to the foregoing, it has been observed that sash window units are clasically of two basic types, i.e., a first type wherein each window sash is subdivided into a plurality of divided panes, and a second type wherein a single solid pane covers the entire expanse of the window sash.

There have been previous proposals of constructions permitting the simulated division of a solid pane window sash divided into a divided pane sash by the addition of pane divider means superposed over the solid pane and semi-permanently secured to the sash frame. However, because of the semi-permanent nature of the attachment of these pane divider means to the sash frames, it has heretofore proven impractical to make such conversions without inflicting damage on the sash frame. Thus, conversion back and forth between solid and divided pane constructions has been heretofore substantially precluded.

It is therefore an additional object of this invention to provide pane divider means for attachment to a solid pane window sash in a manner which will` avoid the problems and drawbacks of prior constructions and which will permit the ready assembly and `disassembly of the pane divider means into or out of the sash frame of a solid pane window sash as often as desired.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which- FIGURE 1 is a perspective view of a multiple window unit formed according to the present invention from a plurality of prefabricated single window units;

FIGURE 2 is an enlarged sectional plan view, with parts broken away, of the multiple window unit of FIGURE 1 and taken substantially along line 2 2 thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a partially exploded perspective view, with parts broken away, of a single window unit and an adjacent portion of a second -single window unit, showing parts to be removed and segments to be cut therefrom in joining the two single window funits;

FIGURE 4 is a perspective lview, with parts broken away, of a detail of the juncture of two single window units, Vviewed in the direction of the arrow 4 in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 5 is a perspective view similar to FIGURE 4, but viewed in the direction of the arrow 5 in FIG- URE 2;

FIGURE 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a solid pane window and showing a pane divider means according to the invention as assembled therein;

FIGURE 7 is an exploded fragmentary perspective view of a detail, and corresponds to the area within the dotted circle 7 in FIGURE 6'; and

FIGURE 8 is a sectional view of a detail taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIGURE 6.

Referring now more specifically to the drawings, a multiple window unit generally designated at 10` is shown in FIGURE 1, installed in a building B. Multiple wind-ow unit 10 comprises three single window units generally designated 11, 11', and 1.1, respectively, arranged in side-by-side relationship and joined by com-mon mullions 12 and 12'.

Single window units 11, 11', and 11i" are substantially similar to each other, and the following description of single window unit 11 applies to them all.

As best shown in FIGURE 3, single window unit 11, as originally constructed, comprises a pair of coextensive elongate side jambs 13, 14 extending substantially parallel to each other in spaced apart relationship. An elongate top jamb 15 overlies and connects the upper ends I16, 17 of the side jambs 13, 14, respectively.

Preferably, and as illustrated, top jamb 15 is provided with notches 20, 21 each receiving a respective upper end 16 or 17 of the corresponding side jamb 13 or 14. Notches 20, 21 each may be spaced inwardly from the corresponding ends 22, 23 of top jamb 15, so that top jamb 15 overhangs side jambs 13, 14 at each end by a predetermined distance.

An elongate sill 24 underlies and connects lower ends 25, 26 of side jambs 13 and 14. As is conventional, each end 27, 30 of sill 24 extends beyond the lower ends 25, 26 of side jambs 13, 14 by a distance somewhat greater than the overhang of top jamb 15.

In the preferred form of the invention, wherein single window unit 11 includes movable window sashes, suitable means such as conventional blind stops 31, 32 may be provided suitably secured to each side jamb 13, 14 for guiding the window sashes therein. Similarly, conventional blind stops 33, 34 may be provided, suitably secured to the top jamb 15, as illustrated.

The window unit 11 as described thus far comprises an open frame construction of substantially rectangular shape, with side jambs 13, 14, top jamb 15, sill 24 and blind stops 31-34 being suitably connected as by nailing, glueing or the like to form the periphery thereof.

In order to provide a finished appearance to single window unit 11, top and side brick moldings are dispose-d about the exterior of the side and top jambs, and arranged thereon in a particular manner facilitating modification ofthe single window unit 1.1 for assemblage with other similar single window units into multiple window unit 10.

To this end, an elongate top brick molding 35 (FIG- URE 3) is suitably secured to an edge of top jamb 15, and includes an underfacing 36 disposed substantially ush with undersurface 37 of top jamb 15, and an upper facing 140 disposed above the level of upper surface 41 of top jamb 15. Top brick molding 35 extends beyond the ends 22, 23 of top jamb 15, terminating coextensively with the ends 27, 30 of sill 24 in top brick molding ends 42, 43.

Elongateside brick moldings 44, are provided, one being suitably secured to each side jamb 13, 14. When blind stops 31, 32 are provided, as in the illustrated embodiment, a blind stop 31 may be interposed between each side brick molding 44 and 45 and the corresponding side jamb 13 or 14. Side brick moldings 44, 45 have respective inner side facings 46, 47, disposed flush with an interior surface or 51 of the corresponding side jamb 13 -or 14, and have respective distal outer side facings 52, 53 each disposed flush with the corresponding end 27 or 30 of sill 24, as well as flush with the corresponding end 42 or 43 of top brick molding 35.

Side brick moldings 44, 45 have respective lower ends 54, 55 resting on the sill 24, and have respective upper ends 56, 57, each of which terminates substantially coextensive with the upper end 16 or 17 of the corresponding side jamb 13 or 14, and in substantially abutting relation with the underfacing 36 of top brick molding 35. With this arrangement, modification of window unit 141 for assemblage into a multiple window unit, as hereinafter described, is substantially simplified.

In assembling a plurality of single window units into a multiple unit, certain minor m-odications are necessarily made to each single window unit. The modifications necessary in joining window unit 11 to a substantially identical window unit 11 are best shown in FIGURE 3. In this connection, the parts of window unit 11', will bear the same reference characters previously applied to window unit 11, with the prime notation added, to avoid repetitive description.

Window units 11 and 11' to be joined are arranged with proximal sides thereof adjacent each other. In FIG- URE 3, side jamb 13 of window unit 11 is accordingly shown `adjacent side jamb 14 of window unit 11'.

The rst step in accomplishing joinder is the removal of the side brick molding from the adjacent side of one of the pair of single window units 11, 11'. As shown, side brick molding 45 is removed from side jamb 14 of win'- dow unit 11'. 1

Having removed one of the side brick moldings, it is necessary to foreshozten the proximal ends of the sills and top brick moldings of both window units 11, 11. In the case of window unit 111, end 27 of the sill 24 is foreshortened by sawing it along the illustrated dotted line, so as to remove [a segment 27a therefrom. Similarly, the end 42 of top brick molding 35 is foreshortened by sawing along the illustrated dotted line, to remove a segment 42a therefrom. The dotted lines are so located that the newlysawed ends 27, 42 of sill 24 and top brick molding 35, respectively, lie in a common vertical plane with the corresponding end 22 of the top jamb 15.

Window unit 11 is similarly modified, with the end 30 of sill 24 being foreshortened by sawing along the dotted line shown thereon, removing la segment 30a' therefrom. End 43 of top brick molding 35 is also foreshortened by sawing a segment 43a' therefrom. As was the case with window unit 11, the newly-sawed ends 30', 43' of sill 24' and top brick molding 35', respectively, also lie in a cornmon plane with the corresponding end 23 of top jamb 15'.

Following the foreshortening of the sills and top brick moldings, window units 11 and 11 lare next moved into side-by-side relationship, bringing the foreshortened ends 42, 43 of the top Ibrick moldings 35, 35 and the foreshortened end 27, 30 of sills 24, 24' into substantial abutting relationship. This movement also brings the remaining side Ibrick molding 44 into overlying relation with the side jamb 14 of Window unit 11. Side brick molding 44 is then secured to side jamb 14 in any suitable manner, such as by being nailed thereto, and forms the common mullion 12 between single window units 11 and 11.

It is to be noted that the dimensions of the side brick molding 44, as hereinabove described, are such that the longitudinal center line thereof lies in a common plane with the end 22 of top jamb 15. Accordingly, when the ends 27, 42 of sill 24 and top brick molding 35, respectively, are foreshortened as described above, the longitudinal center line of the side brick molding 44, also lies in a common plane with the thus foreshortened ends.

Because of this arrangement, the side brick molding 44, when secured to the side jamb 14' of the adjacent single window unit 11', will have its side facing 52 flush with the inner surface 47 of side jamb 14', as Well as having its opposite side facing 46 flush with the inner surface 50 of side jamb 13. As best seen in 'FIGURE 2, this causes the common mullion 12 formed by side brick molding 44 between the window units 11, 11 to have a pleasing appearance.

While a junction of only two single window units has been described, it is to be understood that any number of single window units may be assembled in like manner to form a multiple window unit 10 comprised of -as many single window unit segments as may be desired. FIGURES 1 and 2 illustrate three such single window units, with the additional junction therebetween formed in the same manner as described hereinabove with reference to the one junction.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, each single window unit 11, etc., may be provided with a solid pane window sash, and may additionally be provided with means for accomplishing a ready conversion between a solid pane appearance and a simulated divided pane configuration. A thusly-provided window unit 11 is shown in FIGURE 6.

As there shown, a window sash 60 is mounted in window unit 11. Sash 60 is defined about its periphery by a sash frame 61 of conventional construction, disposed between the side jambs 13 and 14 and between the top jamb 15 and the sill -24 of window unit 11. A pane 62 of transparent material such as glass is vertically mounted within sash frame 61 in conventional manner, it being noted (see upper portion of FIGURE 6) that pane 62 is a solid pane extending across the full expanse of sash 60.

In order to selectively simulate subdivision of pane 62 into a plurality of smaller panes (see lower portion of FIGURE 6), a readily removable pane divider means 63 is provided for releasable attachment to sash frame 61. Sash frame 61 is provided with an inwardly facing groove 64 spaced from pane 62 and extending substantially about the interior periphery of frame 61, which groove 64 is adapted to cooperate with means associated with pane divider means 63, in a manner to be later described, in releasably securing pane divider means 63 to sash frame 61.

lPane divider means 63 includes one or more elongate divider members 65, each having ,a terminal end portion 66 at each end thereof. Divider members 65 are relatively arranged in pane divider means 63 according to the conguration of pane subdivision desired to -be simulated. As il-lustrated, three divider members 65 are arranged in a grid pattern, and will simulate subdivision of pane 62 into six smaller rectangular panes. Any other subdivided pane arrangement could be similarly simulated lby providing a suitably patterned arrangement of divider members 65, as will be readily appreciated.

In order to releasably attach pane divider means 63 to sash frame 61, Va retractable means 67 (FIGURES 7 and 8) associated with the pane divider means 63 is provided for releasable engagement within the groove 64 in sash frame 61. When so engaged, retractable means 61 cooperates with groove 64 in holding divider members 65 of pane divider means 63 snugly against pane 62, so that divider members 65 simulate subdivision of the pane as aforesaid.

Retractable means `67 includes a plurality of stepped diameter plungers 70, each mounted in a corresponding stepped diameter hole 71 provided in a terminal end portion 66 of one of the divider members 65. Preferably, each terminal end portion 66 of each divider member 65 is so provided, although it is only necessary that some of them be.

A shoulder 72 separates the steppd diameters of plunger 70, and a shoulder 73 separates the stepped diameters of hole 71. Plunger 70 is slidably received within hole 71, and a compression spring 74 is interposed between the plunger shoulder 72 and the shoulder 73 within hole 71. Hole 71 is of -greater depth than the axial length of plunger 70, so that plunger 70 may be retracted into hole 71 and thereby within terminal end portion 66, and be biased outwardly thereof by yreaction of spring 74 between shoulders 72, 73.

Plunger 70 is provided with a groove-contacting outer end portion 75, which end portion preferably is lwedgeshaped so `as to insure a snug, wedging lit thereof within groove y64 whenever pane divider 63 is employed to simulate the subdivision of pane `62.

In order to 'retain plunger 70 Within'the terminal end portion 66 of divider member 65, and to facilitate retraction of plunger 7 0 thereinto when desired, a handle means 76 is provided, releasably secured to plunger 70 and engaging with terminal end portion 66 to limit outward movement of plunger 70 relative thereto.

Handle means 76 includes a head portion 77 and a resiliently deformable leg portion 80. Divider member 65 has a slot y81 therein, located a short distance inwardly of the free end thereof and extending transversely of and intersecting with the hole 71 in the corresponding terminal end portion 66 thereof. Slot 81 also extends along the axial length of hole 71 for a distance greater than the width of leg portion 80 of handle means 76.

Leg portion 80 extends through slot- 81, and is suitably Cil releasably connected to plunger 70 within hole 71. Preferably, and as illustrated, leg portion 80 terminates in a hooked end 82, which end 82 cooperates with a corresponding shouldered hole 83 provided in plunger 70 to achieve the desired connection thereinto. By dimensionally deforming leg portion 80, hooked end 82 thereof may be disengaged from shouldered hole 83%, releasing handle means 76 from connection to plunger 70.

Head portion 77 of handle means 76 is situated externally of divider member 65, as illustrated, and is thus located conveniently for grasping to manually retract plunger 70 against the bias of spring 7l4 to within hole 71, While a side of leg portion 80 of handle means 76 cooperates Awith a land portion 84 of divider member 65 to limit outward travel of plunger 70 and to loosely retain it within hole 71.

To install pane divider means 63 in sash frame 61, it is merely necessary to position divider members I65 with the terminal end portions 66 thereof adjacent sash frrame 61, and snap them into place. Plungers 70l will yield inwardly, compressing the springs 74, and plunger end portions will resiliently engage in groove 64 and thereby retain pane divider means 63 in place. To remove pane divider means 63 from sash frame l61, it is only necessary to grasp the head portions 77 of the handle means 76 and pull them inwardly of the corresponding divider members 65, retracting the corresponding plungers 70 out of engagement with groove 64 and deeper within terminal end portions 66. Pane divider means 63 may then be removed, to be reinstalled when desired.

ln the drawings and specication there has been set forth a preferred embodiment of the invention and, although specifc terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive `sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. A single Window unit for selective use alone as a single window unit and with other similar single window units as a multiple window unit, said `single window unit comprising a pair of coextensive elongate side jambs extending in substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship,

an elongate top jamb overlying and connecting the upper ends of said side jambs and extending therebeyond to overhang the same by a predetermined distance,

an elongate sill underlying and connecting the lower ends of said side jambs and extending therebeyond at each end by a distance greater than the overhang of said top jamb,

a top brick molding secured to said] top jamb with the ends thereof being coextensive with the ends of said sill, and

an elongate side brick molding secured to each side jamb with the lower end of each side brick molding resting on said sill and with the upper end thereof terminating substantially coextensive with the upper' end of the corresponding side jamb and in substantially abutting relation with -said top brick molding, and with the distal side facings of said side brick lfoldings being flush with opposite ends of said lsill and said top brick molding.

2. A structure according to claim 1, further comprising a window sash disposed in said single window unit between said pair of side jambs` and between said top jarnb and said sill and having a sash frame delining the periphery thereof,

a pane of transparent material vertically mounted within said sash frame, said sash frame having an inwardly facing groove therein extending substantially about the interior periphery thereof and spaced from said pane,

pane divider means extending across the interior of said sash frame adjacentfsaidlpane for simulating division thereof into a plurality of smaller panes, said pane divider means having terminal end portions disposed adjacent said sash frame, and

retractable means mounted within said terminal end portions of said pane divider means and biased out- Iwardly thereof and into said 4groove in said sash frame for releasably securing said pane divider means to said sash frame.

3. A structure according to claim 2, lwherein said retractable means comprises plunger means retracta'bly mounted in said terminal end portions of said pane divider means, and

spring means interposed between said plane divider means and said plunger means to `bias said plunger means outwardly of said pane divider means and into said groove in said sash frame.

4. A structure according to claim 3, further comprising handle means releasably mounted on said plunger means and having a head portion located externally of said pane divider means for manual retraction of said plunger means into said pane divider means against the bias of said spring and being operatively associated with said pane divider means for retaining said plunger means within said terminal end portions thereof.

5. A structure according to claim 4, wherein each terminal end portion of said pane divider means has a hole extending longitudinally therewithin, with said plunger means and said spring means being disposed therewithin for movement relative thereto, and wherein each terminal end portion of said pane divider means has a -slot therein spaced from the free end thereof and extending transversely of and intersecting with the corresponding hole therein, said handle means having a leg portion extending through said slot and cooperating therewith to retain said plunger means lwithin said terminal end portion of said pane divider means.

6. A pair of similar single window units each having a side adapted to be disposed adjacent and to be joined to corresponding adjacent side of the other single window unit of said pair for forming a multiple window unit, each single window unit comprising a pair of coextensive elongate side jambs extending in substantially parallel, spaced apart relationship,

an elongate top jamb overlying and connecting the upper ends of said side jambs and extending therebeyond at each end to overhang the same by a predetermined distance,

an elongate sill underlying and connecting the lower ends of said side jaam'bs, with the end of said sill nearest said adjacent side of said single window unit extending beyond the side jamb corresponding thereto by a distance substantially equal to the overhang of said top jamb and Iwith the other end of said sill extending beyond the side jamb corresponding thereto by a distance greater than the overhang of said top jamb,

a top brick molding secured to -said top jamb with the ends thereof being coextensive with the ends of said sill,

a first side brick molding lsecured to the side jamb corresponding to said other end of said sill, with the lower ends thereof resting on said sill and with the upper end thereof terminating substantially coextensive with the upper end of the corresponding side jam-b and in substantially abutting relation with said top brick molding, and with one side facing thereof being Hush with said other end of said sill and `with the corresponding end of said top brick molding, and

a second side brick molding secured to the side jamb corresponding to said adjacent side of one of said pair of single ywindow units, with the longitudinal center line of said second side brick molding lying in a common plane with the corresponding end of the sill and with the corresponding end of the top brick molding of said one single window unit, and adapted to overlie the side jamb corresponding to said adjacent side of the other of said pair of single window units whereby to serve as a common mullion for joining said pair of single lwindow units at their adjacent sides into a multiple Iwindow unit.

single window unit comprising a pair of coextensive elongate side jambs extending in substantially parallel spaced apart relationship,

an elongate top jamb overlying and connecting the upper ends of said side jambs and extending therebeyond to overhang the same by a predetermined distance,

an elongate sill underlying and connecting the lower ends of said side jambs and extending therebeyond at one end 'by a distance Vgreater than the overhang of said top jamb and extending therebeyond at the other end by a distance substantially equal to the overhang of said top jamb,

a top brick molding secured to said top jamb with the ends thereof being coextensive with the ends of said sill, and

a side brick molding secured to the side jamb nearest said one end of said sill, with the lower end thereof resting on said sill and Awith the upper end thereof terminating substantially coextensive with the upper end of said side jamb and in substantially abutting relation with said top 'brick molding, and with one side facing thereof 'being flush with the corresponding ends of said sill and said top brick molding.

8. A structure according to claim 7, further comprising a second side Ibrick molding coextensive with and substantially parallel to the first-mentioned side brick molding and secured to the side jamb nearest said other end of said sill, ywith the longitudinal center line of said second side brick molding lying in a common plane with the corresponding ends of said sill and said top brick molding.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,708,556 4/1929 Storms 52-204 1,876,546 9/1932 Andersen et al 52-204 2,231,245 2/1941 Blackburn 52-616 2,258,491 ll/1941 Hasenburger et al. 52455 2,727,285 12/1955 Stotz 52-616 3,099,865 8/1963 Burnett 52-311 3,254,465 6/1966 Brengman et al 52-455 FRANK L. ABBOTT, Primary Examiner. JAMES L. RIDGILL, JR., Assistant Examiner. 

